DNA Technology Regulation Bill reintroduced in Lok Sabha

New Delhi, Jul 8: The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday brushing aside objections from the ruling side.

The draft law introduced by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan allows regulated use of DNA technology to establish the identity of certain defined categories of persons, including offenders, suspects, and under-trials.

Opposing the introduction of the Bill, Congress member Shashi Tharoor and his party leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said some of the provisions as proposed would amount to violation of fundamental rights of the citizens.

Mr Tharoor said the DNA is also a "data" and therefore how could the government try to pilot a Bill on DNA without taking care of data protection issue.

Mr Chowdhury said it would be against the principles of fundamental rights to allow for DNA tests of individuals and also allow the use of the technology to establish the identity of persons in matters of crime, parentage dispute, emigration or immigration and transplantation of human organs. The Bill was passed in Lok Sabha in January, said the Minister however adding that it has to be brought back as it could not be taken up by the Upper House. UNI